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Mr Simpson told the News: “Alison Parker our sub-postmistress was looking to retire and we tried to get a few other people to take the shop on. But when they came and saw the turnover it was not enough to justify the business.

“The shop was really struggling and was not really viable by itself. After losing the pub, it was the same old story about a small rural community just trying to survive.

Alison is looking forward to opening in March. (Image: Jim McEwan)

“So we decided we had to keep the shop going. We are trying to have somewhere in the village that is community driven.

“And now with the help of the Post Office we have re-jigged the space and brought in a cafe and a seating area.”

The new enterprise means Ms Parker will stay on behind the counter while customers will benefit from longer opening hours.